Life expectancy by continent & gender 2017

Average life expectancy at birth in 2017, by continent and gender (in years)

The statistic shows the average life expectancy at birth by continent in 2017. The average life expectancy at birth worldwide was 72 years in 2017.
Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is defined as a statistical measure of how long a person may live, based on demographic factors such as gender, current age, and most importantly the year of their birth. The most commonly used measure of life expectancy is life expectancy at birth or at age zero. The calculation is based on the assumption that mortality rates at each age were to remain constant in the future.

Life expectancy has changed drastically over time, especially during the past 200 years. In the early 20th century the average life expectancy at birth in the developed world stood at 31 years. It has grown to an average of 72 years worldwide until 2015, and is expected to keep on growing with advances in medical treatment and living standard continuing.

When compared inside a single country, difference in life expectancy are mostly the result of economic circumstances. With lower income comes lower life expectancy. Life expectancy of high income households averaged ad 79 years, while low income households had a life expectancy of 62 years as of 2013.

Datalabels

Share on Social Media

The statistic shows the average life expectancy at birth by continent in 2017. The average life expectancy at birth worldwide was 72 years in 2017.
Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is defined as a statistical measure of how long a person may live, based on demographic factors such as gender, current age, and most importantly the year of their birth. The most commonly used measure of life expectancy is life expectancy at birth or at age zero. The calculation is based on the assumption that mortality rates at each age were to remain constant in the future.

Life expectancy has changed drastically over time, especially during the past 200 years. In the early 20th century the average life expectancy at birth in the developed world stood at 31 years. It has grown to an average of 72 years worldwide until 2015, and is expected to keep on growing with advances in medical treatment and living standard continuing.

When compared inside a single country, difference in life expectancy are mostly the result of economic circumstances. With lower income comes lower life expectancy. Life expectancy of high income households averaged ad 79 years, while low income households had a life expectancy of 62 years as of 2013.

Show more

Show sources information

Show publisher information

Release date

August 2017

Region

Worldwide

Survey time period

2017

Supplementary notes

Average life expectancy of a newborn according to the current mortality rate.

According to the source the data from the above statistic originates from official statistical yearbooks and bulletins of the particular country. Moreover, publications of the United Nations, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Population Division) of the UN and the U.S. Census Bureau serve as data sources. Further sources are recent demographic studies, special studies and direct interviews with demographers and inquiries at statistical offices of the U.S. and other countries.

More information

Region

Worldwide

Survey time period

2017

Supplementary notes

Average life expectancy of a newborn according to the current mortality rate.

According to the source the data from the above statistic originates from official statistical yearbooks and bulletins of the particular country. Moreover, publications of the United Nations, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Population Division) of the UN and the U.S. Census Bureau serve as data sources. Further sources are recent demographic studies, special studies and direct interviews with demographers and inquiries at statistical offices of the U.S. and other countries.

Corporate Account

Latest News

New

New tutorial video on the Global Consumer Survey

The Statista Global Consumer Survey offers a global perspective on consumption and media usage, covering the offline and online world of the consumer. The new tutorial video shows all functionalities and illustrates how you can use the DIY analysis tool effectively.

Consumer Electronics Report 2018 out now!

Market reports for the Statista Consumer Market Outlook will now be released roughly every other week starting with the Consumer Electronics Report 2018. The market reports include data as well as qualitative insights into market drivers, consumer behaviour, trends, sales channels and key players.

In-depth eMobility Report updated & extended

The trend topic eMobility affects many industries and constantly attracts new players. Our updated in-depth report contains all relevant data and insights and includes an excel file with a detailed list of electric cars, trucks, cargo vehicles, buses, and their specifications.

We've given our Market Outlooks a new look

We use cookies to personalize contents and ads, offer social media features, and analyze access to our website. In your browser settings you can configure or disable this, respectively, and can delete any already placed cookies. For details, please see your browser’s Help section (by pressing F1). Please see our privacy statement for details about how we use data.